Isa’s Vegan Harira – The Forward

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2–inch chunks
• 1/2 cup brown or green lentils
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed (optional)
• 1 (24–ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire–roasted are great)
• 1 (15–ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
• 4 ounces angel hair pasta